The IMP2 antibody targets Insulin-like Growth Factor 2 mRNA-Binding Protein 2 (IMP2/IGF2BP2), a member of the conserved RNA-binding protein family involved in post-transcriptional gene regulation. IMP2 binds to mRNA transcripts, stabilizing them and modulating translation, thereby influencing cell proliferation, differentiation, and metabolism. It is highly expressed during embryonic development but shows restricted expression in adult tissues, except in pathological conditions like cancer. IMP2 is implicated in tumors such as glioblastoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and sarcoma, where it promotes oncogenesis by regulating cancer-associated mRNAs (e.g., c-MYC, HMGA1). It also links to metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes, due to its role in insulin signaling and glucose homeostasis.
The IMP2 antibody is widely used in research to study its expression patterns, molecular interactions, and pathological roles. Applications include Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to quantify protein levels or localize IMP2 in tissues/cells. Commercially available antibodies are typically validated for specificity, often targeting unique epitopes within its RNA-binding domains or linker regions. Recent studies explore IMP2 as a therapeutic target, with antibodies investigated for diagnostic or inhibitory potential in cancers. However, challenges remain in distinguishing IMP2 from homologous family members (IMP1/IMP3) due to structural similarities, necessitating careful validation in experimental settings.